Thai heading to general election after House dissolution

Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the House of Representatives has been dissolved to make way for general elections under the system of democracy.

Abhijit had earlier announced that he would dissolve the House by the first week of May to permit the general election by June or July.

Announcing the decision on state-run TV channel 11, Abhisit said, I believe that to dissolve the House and allow for a general election to be held is the way for us to move on in solving problems of our country under the democratic system. I, therefore, was very willing to dissolve the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives has been dissolved after 1,233 days bringing an end to political upheavals and traumatic events of blood-shed and death which shook the country in the past three years.

The recent fire exchange at the border with Cambodia for over two weeks resulting in the death of tens of its soldiers was the last straw that forced the current government to call for elections.

Abhisit, who is the leader of Democrat Party, said Thailand is now still facing problems, including bad economy and rampant corruption, drug peddling, border dispute with Cambodia and political conflict within, but assured that his government was able to tackle many of them.

Recent opinion polls show that the opposition Pheu Thai Party may emerge as the winner or the ruling party will end with a small margin after the elections, leading to a coalition government.

Moreover, analysts say the country may see change of leadership in Pheu Thai party as well owing to corruption charges against its leader Thaksin Shinawatra or the party may choose his sister Yingluck Shinawatra who may become the country’s first female prime minister if the party wins majority in parliament.